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Seve Ballesteros, the most flamboyant golfer of his generation, confirmed yesterday that he had a brain tumour, but said that he was ready to “confront the most difficult match of his life”.
It is not yet known if the tumour is malignant, and Ballesteros, 51, will undergo a biopsy tomorrow. The Spaniard, who won five majors including three Opens, has been in hospital in Madrid since collapsing a week ago.
In a statement issued by the Hospital de la Paz yesterday he said: “After being able to notify my three children personally and their mother I can inform you of my illness.
“After exhaustive checks at the hospital they have detected a brain tumour. During my career I was one of the best at getting around obstacles on golf courses. Now I want to be the best at confronting the most difficult match of my life with all my strength.
“I have always felt solidarity with those facing illnesses, many who were much older than me. I want to recall their bravery, belief, calmness, confidence and great mental strength. We need to confront these situations, however difficult they may be.”
Ballesteros asked for his privacy to be respected, but said: “I want to thank from the very bottom of my heart all those people interested in my state of health with many different types of support.”
There has been speculation about Ballesteros’s health for several months. When announcing his retirement at the Open in Carnoustie last year, he was forced to deny that he suffered from bouts of depression.
The golfer, who is separated from his wife Carmen BotÍn, also rejected reports that he had tried to commit suicide with an overdose of pills after the death of his girlfriend, Fatima Garlaza, in a car crash. He said that he had, in fact, been admitted to hospital with a heart problem, with tests discovering an irregular heartbeat.
Ballesteros was admitted to hospital after suffering dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness at Madrid airport a week ago. He had seemed to be making a recovery last Thursday when he released a statement through his family, saying: “Thank you for your concern for my health and for your message of support. I would like to inform you that I feel well.”
However, his condition deteriorated on Friday, and hospital officials released a statement then saying that Ballestoros had suffered “a partial epileptic fit”. He left intensive care over the weekend and doctors said that he was in a stable condition.
Ballesteros won 87 titles during his career, including the Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988 and the Masters in 1980 and 1983. He also played an inspirational role in the Ryder Cup, winning 20 points from 37 matches, as well as captaining Europe to victory at Valderrama in 1997.
His brilliant strokeplay thrilled the crowds – none more so than a shot from an overspill car park next to the 16th fairway at Royal Lytham & St Annes on his way to victory at the Open in 1979.
José Maria Olazábal, who visited Ballesteros after playing at the Madrid Masters yesterday, said: “I saw Seve looking very well. We were speaking for quite a little while. I wish him a prompt recovery.”
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Seve, remembering you from TPC in Jacksonville, Florida. You're as handsome now as then and wishing you a speedy recovery!
Angie, Jasper, Georgia, USA
Seve,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Difficult to watch golf without thinking of you.
Lndsay & Dave, Blackpool, England
dear seve
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time we wish you a speedy recover, get well soon. best wishes from Steve & Angela
stephen Hudd, bristol, england
seve
you have given so many people alot of pleasure in the way you have battled the fareways of the worlds best golf courses.
I have watched you from when I was young, I can only say I am deeply saddened by your illness.
come back fighting bigman, the game of golf is nothing without you in it
pete, ellesmere port, england
seve, we are so upset to hear of your difficult illness , our thoughts and prayers are with you always, wishing you a speedy recovery, you are the best ever, and a wonderful man, best wishes,
Angie & graham white . Devon England
Angela & graham white, barnstaple, ENGLAND
Seve, how sorry I am to hear you are unwell, and how much I wish you a quick and full recovery - you were and are one of the best!! I walked the course at Walton Heath European Open there years ago, and was at Valderrama, when your Captaincy secured the Ryder Cup - legendary, and a true Gentleman !!
Ed Kibble, Rotonda West, USA
All the best Seve - I wish you a speedy and complete recovery and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Carol Beaumont, Brisbane, Australia
I'd like to send my best wishes to the most naturally talented golfer I have ever seen bar none.
Jim Moore, Greenock, Scotland
Seve you need really good luck now and everyone's good wishes to get through this, my prayers are with you.
Val, Oundle, England
Go Sevy.
Our daughter Melanie, 31yrs old, has a similar tumour to yours and is doing marvellously well.
You have inspired the world ; nearly as much as our daughter has inspired us!!
Please continue to be remarkable, just as she is.
You both deserve all the best.
Ash & Wendy Birdsall, Ceyrat, France
You will be fine Sevy. I had a brain tumour removed this year after suffering a massive seizure. I am now cured. Keep your chin up. xx
Mandy, Hereford,
Seve, We have always been your fans. You gave us your autograph @ Firestone many years ago when you were young. We followed your career & I went to Spain to visit your beautiful country. Our prayers are for you & your family. Ron & Mary Curtis
Ron & Mary Curtis, Dayton,Ohio, USA
You are my favorite golfer.....you can and will overcome this...consider this an obstacle in you life....God Speed.
You are the reason I watched golf!
Ms. Chris Cole, Dalton, USA
I wish for the day of enlightenment when we don't talk about epileptic fits for brain tumor patients. They are seizures and have nothing to do with epilepsy. While very serious, this is no longer a death sentence, even for the most serious malignant tumors. Get treatment at a world leading center.
Mike Dunbar, Alamo CA, USA
You played golf like Houdini, great escapes from just about everywhere on the golf course. Here is hoping and wishing you can do the Houdini act again and make a full recovery.
Get well soon, Seve. The world loves you.
Bill Panesar, Bedford, UK
Wishing you the very best of luck and a speedy recovery Seve, hope you're soon back home with your loved ones.
Matt Fuller, Liverpool,
Others were like robots. Seve played a game we recognise: hit it, find it, hit it again. Of course, he did it with impossible brilliance and with joy: as if he laughed with us on his (our) trek from forest to bunker, while the androids fretted over each stray inch. A wonderful role model for life.
joe, birmingham, uk
Seve - we will be thinking of you and praying for your recovery.
Viv Saunders and Jenny Wisson
Vivien Saunders, cambridge, UK
Seve - Thinking about you and wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Good Luck you're my Hero. Keep smiling.
Kath I, Stockport, UK
Seve --
You have been an inspiration to our generation for many years, sharing your indomitably competitive spirit and joy of the game. This spirit, along with courage, will surely provide strength and purpose through this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always
Sue Randall, Tucson, AZ, USA
Seve, the epitome of true brilliance. I was gutted when he retired and devastated to hear of his brain tumour today. He will overcome this like he's overcome every challenge in his life. Peace and love Seve xx
craig, wrexham, wales
my husband diagnosed with gbm tumor in April, had chemo and raidiotherapy,now on 6months of stronger chemo,.praying every day for a cure.
Best wishes with you Seve. am praying for everyone with this awful illness,
M.Jenna., Deeside, Flintshire.
Dig Deep Champ.
We need you.
Ricki Hill, melbourne, Australia
love you seve your a true champion please get well soon i will pray for you every day god bless seve
edv, leicestershire, united kingdom
Seve is one of the greatest champions of our time. I hope he uses his beautiful and powerful imagination to picture a full recovery and a long healthy life. He is as loved in the US as he is around the world.
DS, Niagara Falls, USA
There is a foundation to help people with brain tumors....think it is www.FightBrainCancer.org or google the name Susan E. Lusty to find it.... her family started the organization in her honor.
JBW, SL, USA
Good luck Seve, you can win this MAJOR as well.
JOHN, Runcorn,, U.K.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Sevvy, one more inspired recovery shot required, I know it is in your bag.
Steve Nicholas Dubai
Steve Nicholas, dubai, UAE
what a good positive attitude to have. six years ago i had 2 massive epiletic fits and a tumor was discovered Seve's comment have made me remember how brave i must be. thinking of you
faye tobin, lincoln, england
the greatest golfer that ever walked a golf course, get well soon amigo.
david harris, fuengirola, españa
Best wishes. I'm pulling for you.
Caroline Jenkins, Orlando, FL, US
My Dear Seve,
I have followed you for many years - you are my obsession! I was fortunate enough to have my photo taken with you at the Seve Trophy at Druids Glen in Ireland in 2002. The photo is my most treasured possession. I am thinking of you, as always. Please be well.
With love,
Sally
Sally Jones, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Godspeed Seve
Nick Price, Manchester, England
My thoughts are with you Seve..get well soon. You remain my greatest sporting hero
Bruce Wilson, Auckland, New Zealand
Our fervent prayers are with you at this most difficult time of your life. God Bless you and your family.
Hal, Orlando, U.S.
Best wishes to Seve. All US fans wish you well.
k.m.killips, hinsdale, us
Our thoughts go with you, and prayers will be said for you Seve, You have a truly fighting Spirit which will carry you through this... Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Shirley Young & Ricci Roberts, San Pedro Marbella, Spain
seve
thinking about you and praying you will overcome this tumour and be with us for years to come.Your spirit as exemplified in your statement is an inspiration to those with brain tumours and their careers like myself.
Best of luck
michaelmclaughlin, derry, ireland
My hero utter genius with a golf glub 5 majors says it all took european golf to new levels speedy recovery seve.
terry, cowdenbeath, scotland
One more of your famous recovery shots is all that is required.Good luck Seve and thanks for the pleasure that you have brought to so many over the years
Geoffrey Roberts, Boston, U.S.A
Very best wishes from all your British fans, Seve. Get well soon!
Ian Dickson, Brighton, UK
Good luck Sevvy. We all wish you well.
Andrew McDowall, Vileneuve d'Ascq,